Philanthropy
News and Updates
Read the latest news about Robert F. Smith’s philanthropy as well as events and news concerning his thought leadership, philanthropic partners and charitable initiatives.

How Providing Students With Online Resources Helps Inspire STEM Careers
Pursuing a career in STEM can place students at the forefront of innovation and technology. Critical to these careers is the development of STEM skills, which can open doors to careers as inventors, astronauts, researchers and leaders in many other technology-related fields. While it is never too late to develop

How Providing Students With Online Resources Helps Inspire STEM Careers
Pursuing a career in STEM can place students at the forefront of innovation and technology. Critical to these careers is the development of STEM skills, which can open doors to careers as inventors, astronauts, researchers and leaders in many other technology-related fields. While it is never too late to develop

The Impact of Black Women Inventors on Science and Technology
Learn about Sarah E. Goode, Marie Van Brittan Brown, Valerie Thomas and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, four Black women inventors who helped propel science and technology forward through innovation.

NASA’s Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) Opportunity Funds Eight HBCU Programs
In 2023, NASA selected eight HBCUs to receive funding through their Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) opportunity.

Melinda French Gates Donates $1 Billion to Support Women’s Rights
Melinda French Gates, business owner and philanthropist, has pledged $1 billion to organizations and individuals advocating for women’s issues and rights.

The Jackie Robinson Museum Helps Level the Playing Field for Women in Sports
The Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City hosted the “Leveling the Playing Field: Women in Soccer” event in June 2024 to help foster equity in the sport.

Restoring the Siloam School: One of the Last Remaining Rosenwald Schools
Siloam School is one of the last Rosenwald Schools standing today. Learn more about how these wooden schoolhouses helped provide educational opportunities to Black students.

Reflecting on Diversity in the Arts and Arts Education
Diversity in the arts can provide people exposure to the languages, dance and music of other cultures. It can create bridges between societies and even inspire people to become artists themselves. Ahead, we explore the importance of diverse representation in the arts and arts education. We also discuss famed artists

Robert F. Smith and Fund II Foundation: Helping Preserve Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy
Preserving Black history is a key mission of Robert F. Smith and Fund II Foundation. Read about their work with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Investing in Our Youth’s Financial Literacy
Future generations will face higher levels of debt than ever before. It’s important to teach young people about financial literacy to set them up for financial success.

Robert F. Smith’s Focus on Education and The Eagle Academies
Robert F. Smith has been a longtime supporter of The Eagle Academy Foundation helping young men achieve their educational dreams. Learn more about his support.

Robert F. Smith: Music Lover
Music moves the soul of Robert F. Smith, especially his love of classical composition and working with students in underserved communities.

Robert F. Smith’s Focus on Digitization at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Discover how the National Museum of African American History and Culture used Robert F. Smith’s 2016 donation to digitize programs and how his support continues.

Preserving Black History: Robert F. Smith and the National Park Foundation
Learn more about how Robert F. Smith and the National Park Foundation work towards preserving important Black history landmarks throughout the country.